🗊Презентация Pillars of Faith and Acts of worship

Chapter 3 Pillars of Faith and Acts of worship

Contents: Contents: Articles of Faith or Pillars of Faith (Creed) : 1. Belief in Allah: 2. Belief in Angels: 3. Belief in Revealed Scriptures (Books): 4. Belief in Prophets and Messengers of Allah: 5. Belief in the Day of Judgement/ Hereafter: 6. Belief in Destiny: Acts of worship or Pillars of Islam: 1. Shahadah - Declaration of Faith: 2. Salah - Prayer 3. Sawm - Fasting in the month of Ramadan 4. Zakat - Charity (obligatory) 5. Hajj - Pilgrimage to the Ka’abah

Articles of Faith or Pillars of Faith (Creed) : To be under the fold of Islam, there are six pillars of Faith that Muslims need to accept. These are as follow. 1. Belief in Allah: i. Witness of the Oneness of God: a. To believe in Allah’s Divinity: He is the Lord, the Creator, the Provider, the Sovereign and the Manager of all affairs. ----------- b. To believe that Allah is the Creator of the whole universe and all in it: “He creates what He pleases---------------.

c. To believe that only Allah provides sustenance for His creatures: c. To believe that only Allah provides sustenance for His creatures: There is no creature that moves on the Earth but its provision depends on Allah. -------------- d. To believe that only Allah has the knowledge of unseen: With Him are the keys of the unseen---------------- e. To believe that only Allah has the knowledge of the Day of Judgement: Allah alone has the knowledge of the Hour, sends down rain, and knows what is in the wombs. No soul knows what it shall earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it shall die---------

ii. To believe in Allah’s Godhood: ii. To believe in Allah’s Godhood: a. Allah is the true God while every other so-called deity is false and not worthy of worship: ----------------- that there is no god but I; therefore worship and serve Me. b. To sincerely worship Allah alone, with complete love for Allah above all: “Say: If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your mates, or your kindred; the wealth that you have gained; the commerce in which you fear a decline: or the dwellings in which you delight-are dearer to you than Allah, or His Messenger, or the striving in His cause; -then wait until Allah brings about His decision: and Allah guides not the rebellious.”

c. To have full trust and faith only in Allah: c. To have full trust and faith only in Allah: -------- But on Allah put your trust if you have faith. d. To believe that only Allah is worthy of all acts of worship, prayer, fasting etc. Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him; but He forgives anything else, to whom He pleases;------------

iii. To believe in Allah’s names and attributes: iii. To believe in Allah’s names and attributes: Allah is most Exalted and High, the sole Creator and Sustainer of all exist. He is far above possessing any creaturely attributes. Allah has no body or form, no physical attributes or characteristics. He has no start or end; He is beyond any physical needs such as hunger or sleep. There are 99 names and attributes of Allah that we are advised not to compare attributes of Allah to any of the creature’s names or attributes. They are beyond anything that the human mind or sense can grasp therefore we need: a. To believe and affirm all names and attributes of Allah, which are mentioned in the Quran or Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

b. To glorify Allah’s names and attributes above any comparison to those of creation. b. To glorify Allah’s names and attributes above any comparison to those of creation. C. To believe in Allah’s names and attributes as they are without attaching them to any creation. Believing in Oneness of Allah, builds in the individual the love and glorification of Allah, psychological peace and spiritual strength that leads to following His commands and avoiding His prohibitions. In turn it leads to achieving ultimate happiness in this life and the hereafter.

3. Belief in Revealed Scriptures (Books): 3. Belief in Revealed Scriptures (Books): Revelation is the name given to the means of communication employed by Allah for conveying His command and message to Prophets and Messengers. Revelation is not acquired through study or learning nor is it earned through labour but it is a special gift from Allah. The guidance sent by Allah from time to time to His Messengers was basically the same. The principles of religion relating to the Oneness of Allah, His attributes, prayer, belief in prophet hood, the Day of Judgement and the concept of reward and punishment for one’s deeds in the life Hereafter are common to all the revealed books. However, as the needs of the people differed in different times, the details of the laws given in these books also varied.

i. The Revealed Books mentioned by name in the Quran: i. The Revealed Books mentioned by name in the Quran: a. (Al- Suhuf ) The Tablets of Prophet Ibrahim (as) b. (Al- Zaboor) The Psalms, to Prophet Dawud (as) c. (Al- Tawrah ) The Torah, to Musa (as) for the guidance of the sons of Israel d. (Al- Injeel) The Gospel, to Isa (as) It acts as a complement and confirmation to the Torah. e. (Al-Quran) to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) the Seal of the Prophets.

ii. Some of the qualities of the Quran: ii. Some of the qualities of the Quran: a. The only divine book, which Allah pledged to preserve. “We have without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)” (15:9) b. It contains the summery of the divine teachings and commandments by the previous Books (Torah, Zaboor and Injeel). “To you We sent the scripture in truth, confirming the scripture of that came before.”(5:48) c. The Quran came easy for people to understand and follow. “And We have indeed made the Quran easy to understand and remember

d. It contains the purpose of Islamic law addressing the causes of happiness in this life and hereafter d. It contains the purpose of Islamic law addressing the causes of happiness in this life and hereafter e. The final revealed Book as the Prophet (pbuh) was the last of the Prophets and Messengers. f. It is well known that all Messengers came with the same message, that is oneness of Allah. But each had a different legislation depending on the nature and time of its people. Only Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) message was for all humanity as it is the final message.

4. Belief in Prophets and Messengers of Allah: Belief in Prophets: Allah has chosen human Messengers and Prophets to act as warners and bringing good tiding to mankind. Allah directed Muhammad, (pbuh) who is the last among them. There are 25 Messengers and Prophets mentioned in the Quran, eighteen in one Surah and the rest are mentioned in different parts of the Quran. Among those five were distinguished above all other Prophets, they are Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and our Prophet Muhammad, May peace of Allah be on them all. However, we must believe, respect and love all the Prophets and Messengers of Allah. Muslims believe in all of Allah’s Prophets, and the Quran proclaims that Muhammad is the last of all messengers and Prophets and was sent with the final and complete guidance for all humanity unlike his preceding Messengers and Prophets who were sent only for their nations or tribes.

ii. Muhammad the Messenger of Allah: ii. Muhammad the Messenger of Allah: Muhammad (pbuh) is the Messenger of Allah through whom Allah conveyed the message of Islam to humanity. He was born in 571 AD in the city of Makkah, in Arabian Peninsula. His father died before his birth and when he was six his mother died too. He was then raised by his grandfather till the age of eight. When his grandfather passed away, his uncle raised him. He was an unlettered man, grew up as a shepherded and trader in the caravans. Muhammad (pbuh) was married to khadijah (ra) for twenty years and they had five children. Later on Khadijah (ra) would be the first person to accept Islam, and she is the devoted wife in Islamic History. Muhammad (pbuh) was a man of kind qualities he was known as the trustworthy and honest and at the age of 40 he received the revelation from Allah the Almighty.

Like all other Prophets who were sent by Allah before him, Prophet (pbuh) suffered for delivering the message of Allah. He was ridiculed and persecuted, and the opposition was so intense that He and His followers left the city of Makkah and migrated to the city of Madinah. This migration is an important event of the Islamic history. It took place in 622 AD, and it marks the first year of the Islamic calendar. He established a city-state, gave it a written constitution which proved that he was a very successful politician, statesman, warrior, general and ruler. When he migrated to Madinah the number of fellow Muslims was approximately 5000. When he passed away at the age of 63, the whole Arabian Peninsula was under the fold of Islam and at the time of his last pilgrimage, at the city of Makkah, he delivered his famous Farewell Address to150,000 people who had come to Makkah as pilgrims. Within hundred years, Islam became an established religion in the Asian, African and European continents.

Unlike founders of many religions, the final Prophet (pbuh) of Islam is a real documented and historical figure. He lived in the full light of history, and the minute details of his life are known. Not only do Muslims have the complete text of God’s words that were revealed to Muhammad (pbuh), but they have also preserved his sayings and teachings in what is called “Hadith”. Unlike founders of many religions, the final Prophet (pbuh) of Islam is a real documented and historical figure. He lived in the full light of history, and the minute details of his life are known. Not only do Muslims have the complete text of God’s words that were revealed to Muhammad (pbuh), but they have also preserved his sayings and teachings in what is called “Hadith”. In simple terms, God sent the revelation to Muhammad, who in turn taught it, preached it, lived it and put it into practice, since he was also a statesman and a ruler. He was man who lived a humble life in the service of God. He showed how to be an ideal friend, husband, teacher, ruler, warrior and judge. For these reasons, Muslims follow him. He showed us how to relate to and worship God, in the only way that please Him.

iii. Duties and tasks of the Prophets and Messengers. iii. Duties and tasks of the Prophets and Messengers. a. Conveying the message of God to His creation. “O Messenger! Proclaim the (message) which has been sent to you from your Lord-----------.” (5:67) b. Reminding people and guiding them. “We only sent the messengers to give Glad Tidings and to give warning----------. ” (18:56)

c. Educating and preparing people. c. Educating and preparing people. “It is He Who has sent amongst the unlettered a messenger from among themselves, to rehearse to them His Signs, to sanctify them, and to instruct them in Scripture and wisdom--------------. ” (62:2) d. Being a living example for his people. -------------------- I wish not, in opposition to you, to do that which I forbid you to do. I only desire (your) betterment to the best of my power--------------- . (11:88)

iv . Miracles of the Prophets: iv . Miracles of the Prophets: Allah bestows miracles on his prophets to prove their faithfulness and truthfulness of their message. Miracles are usually to challenge people in what they are expert. Examples of those miracles are: Fire was made cold for Prophet Ibrahim when he was thrown into it. For dead birds were made alive in front of him. Prophet Saleh (as) brought a living camel out of the mountain as a proof of his Prophet hood. Prophet Isa (as) made bird out clay and breath into it became a bird by Allah’s leave. He healed those born blind and lepers. He alive the dead by Allah’s leave. He declared to his people what they ate and what they stored in their houses. Musa (as) was given a rod which used to turn into a snake for Firun and his people.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) split the moon into two parts. He went for mairaj the ascension. The Quran is another miracle of unalterable. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) split the moon into two parts. He went for mairaj the ascension. The Quran is another miracle of unalterable. Belief in Messengers directs to appreciate Allah’s mercy and love, through sending Prophets to guide us . We should be thankful for Allah for this great favour by showing love and respect to all Prophets and praise them in what they ought to have. Believing in Muhammad (pbuh) as the last Messenger and the Prophet makes the individual appreciate what the Prophet went through his life, to bring this message to us and encourages the individual to read and learn about his life and follow his footsteps.

5. Belief in the Day of Judgement/ Hereafter: It contains three elements of Faith. a. Belief in the Resurrection of the dead. b. Belief in the Day of Judgement. c. Belief in the Heaven and Hell. Islam gave freedom of choice to every individual; however, such freedom does not mean doing whatever one wills regardless of what others feel. With such freedom comes accountability and that each person is responsible for his/her actions. The Quran says: “If Any does good, the reward to him is better than his deed; but if any does evil, the doers of evil are only punished (to the extent) of their deeds.” (28:84) Since, Allah gives life and death, and that death is unpredictable and may occur at any time, every one, therefore, should try to do good deeds to earn the pleasure of Allah and abstain from evil. With this perception, a Muslim has to live a virtuous life all the time.

6. Belief in Destiny: Islam teaches that every thing that occurs in the universe is controlled by Allah, and is part of His eternal plan. Whatever is happening in this world is in the knowledge of Allah. The following Hadith states: “When you ask anything, ask God; and if you seek help, seek it from God. You should know that if people were to unite to do you some benefit, they could benefit you only with what God has recorded for you, and if they were to unite to do you some injury, they could injure you only with what God has recorded for you.”

i. Belief in the Destiny or Predestination consists of four aspects: i. Belief in the Destiny or Predestination consists of four aspects: a. The belief that Allah knows everything, past, present and future. b. The belief that Allah has recorded what already happened, what is happening, what will happen and how it will happen. c. The belief that nothing happens except by the will of Allah. d. The belief that Allah is the Creator of all things.

ii. Man’s free will: ii. Man’s free will: In addressing the issue of free will we need to differentiate between universal actions that accrue such as earthquake, human gender, life and death which human being has no control over and human actions. The human in performing his actions and deeds is granted free will and responsibility. The following points can prove man’s free will: 1. Rewarding those who do good and punishing wrongdoers, means that the individual is the one who shapes his future, otherwise life will be aimless. 2. By Allah revealing Books and sending messengers and Prophets, clearly indicates that people have free will to either believe and accept Allah’s teaching or not:

Acts of worship or Pillars of Islam Acts of worship or Pillars of Islam Islam is based upon five Pillars: Shahadah - Declaration of Faith: Salah - Prayer Sawm - Fasting in the month of Ramadan Zakat - Charity (obligatory) Hajj - Pilgrimage to the Ka’abah Referred to the text book THE END